Change Refresh Rate: 60Hz To 120Hz Guide

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Hey guys! Want to make your screen smoother and more responsive? One of the best ways to do that is by increasing your monitor's refresh rate. Today, we'll walk you through how to change from 60Hz to 120Hz. This simple tweak can drastically improve your gaming experience, make scrolling feel buttery smooth, and just generally make everything look better. Let's dive in!

Understanding Refresh Rates

Before we get started, let's quickly understand what refresh rates are and why they matter.

What is Refresh Rate?

The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second your display updates the image. A 60Hz refresh rate means the screen updates 60 times a second, while a 120Hz refresh rate doubles that to 120 times a second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion appears on your screen.

Why 120Hz Matters

  • Smoother Motion: Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur, making fast-paced scenes in games and videos look clearer.
  • Reduced Eye Strain: A smoother display can reduce eye strain, especially during long periods of use.
  • Improved Gaming Experience: Gamers will especially appreciate the responsiveness and clarity a 120Hz display offers, providing a competitive edge.

Now that we know why it's beneficial, let's get into the how-to!

Checking Your Monitor's Specifications

First things first, you need to ensure your monitor actually supports a 120Hz refresh rate. Not all monitors can handle it, so this is a crucial step.

How to Find Your Monitor's Max Refresh Rate

  1. Check the Product Page: Look up your monitor's model number on the manufacturer's website (e.g., Dell, ASUS, LG). The product specifications should clearly state the maximum supported refresh rate.
  2. Read the Manual: If you still have the physical manual, it will list the supported refresh rates.

If your monitor is only capable of 60Hz, unfortunately, you won't be able to increase it to 120Hz. Time for an upgrade perhaps?

Changing the Refresh Rate on Windows

Okay, assuming your monitor does support 120Hz, here's how to change the refresh rate in Windows:

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open Display Settings:

    • Right-click on your desktop.
    • Select "Display settings".

  2. Scroll Down and Click "Advanced display settings":

    • This link is usually found towards the bottom of the Display settings page.

  3. Select Your Monitor:

    • If you have multiple monitors, make sure you select the correct one you want to adjust.

  4. Click "Display adapter properties for Display [Number]":

    • This will open a new window with adapter properties.

  5. Navigate to the "Monitor" Tab:

    • In the new window, click on the "Monitor" tab.

  6. Select the Refresh Rate:

    • In the "Monitor settings" section, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled "Screen refresh rate".
    • Choose 120 Hertz from the dropdown menu.

  7. Apply the Changes:

    • Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your changes. Your screen might flicker for a moment.

  8. Confirm the Change:

    • Windows will ask if you want to keep these display settings. If everything looks good, click "Keep changes". If the screen looks distorted or doesn't display correctly, wait for the timer to expire, and it will revert to the previous setting.

Troubleshooting

  • 120Hz Not Showing Up: If you don't see 120Hz in the dropdown, make sure your monitor is properly connected, and the drivers are up to date (more on that later).
  • Screen Flickering: If you experience flickering, try a different cable or ensure the cable is securely connected. Sometimes, older or lower-quality cables can cause issues.

Changing the Refresh Rate on macOS

For those of you on macOS, here's how to switch to 120Hz (if your Mac and monitor support it!):

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open System Preferences:

    • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
    • Select "System Preferences".

  2. Click "Displays":

    • In System Preferences, find and click on the "Displays" icon.

  3. Select Your Monitor:

    • If you have multiple displays, choose the one you wish to adjust.

  4. Choose Refresh Rate:

    • Depending on your macOS version, you might see a dropdown menu directly in the Displays settings.
    • If you don't see a direct option, look for an "Advanced" or similar button. Click it.
    • You should find a "Refresh Rate" option within the advanced settings.
    • Select 120Hz from the dropdown menu.

  5. Confirm the Change:

    • macOS will automatically apply the changes. If anything looks wrong, it will revert after a few seconds.

Troubleshooting

  • 120Hz Not Showing Up:

    • Ensure your monitor is properly connected.
    • Check that your Mac's graphics card supports 120Hz at the resolution you're using.
    • macOS sometimes requires specific configurations for high refresh rates, especially with external monitors. Check online forums for your specific Mac and monitor model.

Updating Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can often cause issues with refresh rates. Keeping your drivers up to date is essential for optimal performance.

Why Update Drivers?

  • Compatibility: New drivers ensure compatibility with the latest hardware and software.
  • Bug Fixes: Driver updates often include bug fixes that can resolve issues with display settings.
  • Performance Improvements: Updated drivers can improve overall graphics performance, enhancing your gaming and video experience.

How to Update Drivers

  • Nvidia: Download the latest drivers from the Nvidia website or use the Nvidia GeForce Experience software.
  • AMD: Download the latest drivers from the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software.
  • Intel: Download the latest drivers from the Intel website or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

Checking the Refresh Rate After Changing

After making the changes, it's a good idea to verify that the refresh rate is indeed set to 120Hz.

Windows Verification

  1. Revisit Display Settings: Follow the steps to open Display Settings and Advanced display settings as described earlier.
  2. Check the Refresh Rate: Confirm that the "Screen refresh rate" dropdown still shows 120 Hertz.

macOS Verification

  1. Revisit System Preferences: Go back to System Preferences > Displays.
  2. Check the Refresh Rate: Verify that the selected refresh rate is 120Hz.

Online Tools

There are also websites that can detect your monitor's refresh rate. Simply search "monitor refresh rate test" on Google, and you'll find several options.

Using High-Quality Cables

The type of cable you use can also impact whether you can achieve a 120Hz refresh rate, especially at higher resolutions.

Recommended Cables

  • DisplayPort: DisplayPort cables are generally the best option for high refresh rates and resolutions. Ensure you're using a DisplayPort 1.2 or higher cable.
  • HDMI: HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 cables can also support 120Hz at 1080p, 1440p, and even 4K resolutions. Make sure your cable is certified for the resolution and refresh rate you want to use.

Avoid Older Cables

Older HDMI or DVI cables may not have the bandwidth to support 120Hz, particularly at higher resolutions. Using the correct cable is crucial.

Benefits of 120Hz and Beyond

Once you've made the switch to 120Hz, you'll immediately notice the difference. But the world of high refresh rates doesn't stop there!

Exploring Higher Refresh Rates

  • 144Hz: Many gaming monitors offer a 144Hz refresh rate, providing an even smoother experience than 120Hz.
  • 240Hz and 360Hz: These ultra-high refresh rates are primarily targeted at competitive gamers who need every possible advantage. While the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz+ might be less noticeable than the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz, it can still provide a competitive edge.

Adaptive Sync Technologies

  • Nvidia G-Sync: G-Sync is a technology that synchronizes the refresh rate of your monitor with the frame rate of your Nvidia graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and reducing stuttering.
  • AMD FreeSync: FreeSync is AMD's version of adaptive sync, offering similar benefits for users with AMD graphics cards.

Enabling these technologies can further enhance your gaming experience.

Final Thoughts

Switching from 60Hz to 120Hz is one of the easiest and most noticeable upgrades you can make to your display. Whether you're a gamer, a video enthusiast, or just someone who wants a smoother computing experience, the benefits are well worth the effort. Just remember to check your monitor's specifications, update your drivers, and use the correct cables. Enjoy your smoother, more responsive screen! Happy gaming!